Various Improvements to Stump Cutting Tool Discs

ABSTRACT

The present invention is generally directed to a bit assembly that includes, but is not limited to: a bit securing sub-assembly including a bit holder member that defines a recess having a first portion extending in a first direction, and a second portion extending from the first portion along a second direction that is not parallel to the first direction; a bit mechanically connected to the bit holder member and positioned within the recess by a fastening hardware that extends through co-axially aligned holes formed in the bit holder member and the bit; and a bit shielding sub-assembly comprising a bit shielding member mechanically connected to and extending from the second portion of the bit holder in a third direction that is substantially parallel to and spaced from the first direction; wherein the bit shielding member is structured, positioned, and/or located to at least partially shield the bit in the first direction.

The present application claims priority to U.S. non-provisional patentSer. No. 12/716,063, filed on Mar. 2, 2010 (now U.S. Pat. No.8,789,566), which is a non-provisional of U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 61/156,654, filed on Mar. 2, 2009; and which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No.12/544,146, filed on Aug. 19, 2009 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,672,001), whichis a non-provisional version of U.S. provisional patent application No.61/090,078, filed on Aug. 19, 2008; all of these documents are herebyincorporated by reference herein in its respective entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to grinding tools (see DEFINITIONSsection), more particularly to outdoor grinding tools (see DEFINITIONSsection), and also more particularly to bit assemblies (including abit-securing and bit-shielding sub-assembly(ies) for grinding tools.

2. Description of the Related Art

Stump cutting tools conventionally include a rotating disc assembly thatincludes a rotating disc and multiple bit sub-assemblies located atregular angular intervals the peripheral edge of the rotating. FIGS. 1and 2 show a simplified conventional rotating disc assembly 100including disc 102; and bit sub-assembly 104. Bit sub-assembly includes:bit holder 108; and bit 112. Conventional bit holder 108 provides asubstantially rigid mechanical connection (see DEFINITIONS section)between the bit sub-assembly and the rotating disc so that there issubstantially no relative motion between the bit sub-assembly and therotating disc. Angular direction R shows the direction of rotation ofthe disc in operation.

In FIG. 1, the bit sub-assembly 104 and its pocket 106 are centered at atwelve o'clock position over the center 107 of the disc. FIG. 2, atdotted area 112 a, shows the view taken tangent to the top of the discwhen the disc is in this twelve o'clock position of FIG. 1. It is thisview that defines the “footprint” of the bit. This concept of a“footprint” will be important for understanding certain aspects of thepresent invention. In the example of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the front faceof the bit is substantially perpendicular to the viewing vector thatdefines the foot print of bit 112, but this is not necessarily alwaystrue in the prior art, or in the present invention. Both the angularlength (that is, angular length in direction R) of the bit sub-assemblyand/or a non-orthogonal geometry for the bit itself can cause the frontface of the bit to be non-perpendicular to the foot-print definingviewing vector. When the footprint of the bit is substantiallyperpendicular to the viewing vector, its footprint area will generallybe at least approximately equal to the surface area of the front face ofthe bit. However, when the front face of the bit is not perpendicular tothe viewing vector, then its footprint area will be less than thesurface area of the front face of the bit.

In conventional usage, this idea of inclining the front face of the bit,forward or backward or not at all, relative to the footprint-definingviewing vector is called a “rake angle.” Conventionally, rake angle isadjusted by the grinder designer depending on factors such as soil typeand/or rotational speed.

For present purposes, the important thing to note is that the footprintof the bit—that is, dotted area 112 a taken perpendicular to the viewingvector—is entirely exposed as the disc rotates in direction R duringoperation of the grinder. More specifically: (i) no portion of disc 102is interposed in front of the footprint when viewed from the viewingvector; and (ii) no portion of bit holder 108 is interposed in front ofthe footprint of the bit as its footprint is viewed from the viewingvector.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,652 (“Ashby”) discloses a land clearing apparatusthat includes a rotating rasp used to shred trees, brush and debris.More specifically, rasp 20 includes drum 22, guard 26, removable impactstructures 34 and adaptors 48. As shown in FIG. 2 of Ashby, theremovable impact structures and respectively associated are located atregular angular intervals around the rotating drum.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,657 (“Riesselman”) discloses a stump cutterincluding a rotatable disk having multiple cutting tool holders. Thecutting tool holders each have a cutting tool bit cantilevered therefromto engage a stump brought into contact with the cutting tool. Thecutting tool holder/bit sub-assemblies alternate in the angulardirection with sub-assemblies that Riesselman refers to as non-cuttingprotectors. As shown in FIG. 1 of Riesselman, each bit extend in theradial direction beyond the outermost radial edge of the protectors by adistance of L1. With respect to its protectors and bits Riesselmandiscloses the following: “In the embodiment shown, the protector 20 isspaced sufficiently far out so that cutting tool bites into an objectonly to the depth L1 of the hardened cutting tip 16. With traditionalstump cutters, no leading protector is provided and the cutter wheelcould inadvertently overbite and cause wheel hang-up. I have found thatwith use of a protector with a massive non-cutting leading edge which isplaced ahead of the lead cutting tool a distance denoted by P1, theproblem of broken cutting tools is substantially eliminated. That is,the non-cutting leading edge of the protector can be spaced rotationallyahead of the cutting tool to provide protection to the cutting tool. Ihave found that even with P1 distances of six or seven inches I canstill provide protection for the first stage cutter and holder locatedbehind the protector. . . . By having a massive protector that has agreater mass than the cutting tool and is not cantilevered outward asthe cutting tool is, the protector can absorb shocks and impacts throughgradual abrasion of the protector while the first stage cutting teeth ofa row of cutting teeth can be protected.” Riesselman does not seem todisclose how large its dimension L1 is supposed to be.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,725 (“Leonardi 1”) discloses various operatingangles and/or angles between components associated with a stump grindingtool rotating disc.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,445 (“Shinn”) discloses a cutter tooth located onthe outer peripheral surface of a rotatable cutter adapted for clearing,mulching and grinding trees.

Description Of the Related Art Section Disclaimer: To the extent thatspecific publications are discussed above in this Description of theRelated Art Section, these discussions should not be taken as anadmission that the discussed publications (for example, publishedpatents) are prior art for patent law purposes. For example, some or allof the discussed publications may not be sufficiently early in time, maynot reflect subject matter developed early enough in time and/or may notbe sufficiently enabling so as to amount to prior art for patent lawpurposes. To the extent that specific publications are discussed abovein this Description of the Related Art Section, they are all herebyincorporated by reference into this document in their respectiveentirety(ies).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a grinder tool preferablyhaving one or more of the following aspects or features: (i) some,preferably most, of the footprint of its bit being shielded by the disc;(ii) the peripheral edge of the disc is at least partially covered by arock stop hard surface layer; (iii) non-rigid mounting hardwarestructured to provide a non-rigid mechanical connection between the welland the bit sub-assembly (for example, the non-rigid mounting hardwaremay include: a rubber isolator; a mesh isolator; and/or a fluid filledisolator); (iv) a stump grinding tool rotating disc assembly having atleast one first type bit sub-assembly (including a bit) and at least onesecond type bit sub-assembly (including a bit), where: (a) the firsttype bit sub-assembly has a first bit footprint geometry, (b) the firsttype bit sub-assembly has a first bit footprint geometry, and (c) thefirst bit footprint geometry is different than the second bit footprintgeometry; (v) a rotating disc assembly includes a disc that includesmultiple guide protrusions extending axially from both axial ends of thedisc around an angular range leading the angular position of each bitsub-assembly; (vi) a rotating disc assembly having rollers built intothe peripheral edge of the disc; and/or (vii) disc assembly with a bitholder member that extends over a portion of the opposite axial faces ofthe disc.

Various embodiments of the present invention may exhibit one or more ofthe following objects, features and/or advantages:

(i) reduction of mechanical shocks due to square impacts between bitsand hard debris in the soil (for example rocks);

(ii) reduction of equipment breakage due to square impacts between bitsand hard debris in the soil (for example rocks);

(iii) reduction of flying debris occasioned by stump grinding due tosquare impacts between bits and hard debris in the soil (for examplerocks);

(iv) use of rock stop prevents and/or reduces damage caused by physicalinterference with hard debris;

(v) use of rock stop prevents and/or reduces groove from being worn intothe disc in the vicinity of the leading edge of a well and associatedbit assembly; and

(iv) use of rock stop made of a soft/hard material matrix collects dirtin operation and provides a helpful dirt/dirt interface between the discand the dirt within which it is rotating and grinding.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a rotating discassembly includes a rotating disc member, a first bit and a hard surfacelayer. The rotating disc member includes a peripheral edge, with thedisc member and its rotation defining a frontwards angular direction.The first bit that is mechanically connected to the peripheral edge ofthe disc member. The hard surface layer is located around a portion ofthe peripheral edge of the rotating disc in the vicinity of the bit andin the frontwards angular direction relative to the first bit. The hardsurface layer is harder than the rotating disc member.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a rotating discassembly includes: a bit securing sub-assembly (this may include, forexample, a rotating disc member, a bit holder member, a bit cap, a bitbacking member and/or an isolator member); and a first bit. The bitsecuring sub-assembly includes a rotating disc member defining aperipheral edge. The first bit is mechanically connected to theperipheral edge of the disc member. The first bit and the bit securingsub-assembly are sized, shaped, located and/or connected so that afootprint of the first bit is at least partially shielded by acorresponding footprint of the bit securing sub-assembly.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a rotating discassembly includes: a rotating disc member comprising a peripheral edge;a first bit that is mechanically connected to the peripheral edge of thedisc member; and a first isolator member that is located at leastsubstantially between the first bit and the rotating disc member. Thefirst isolator member is flexible so that the mechanical connectionbetween the rotating disc and the bit is non-rigid.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a rotating discassembly includes: a rotating disc member; a first bit holdersub-assembly; and a second bit holder sub-assembly. The rotating discmember includes a peripheral edge. The first bit holder sub-assembly ismechanically connected to the peripheral edge of the rotating discmember. The second bit holder sub-assembly is mechanically connected tothe peripheral edge of the rotating disc member. The first bit holderassembly includes a first bit having a first bit footprint. The secondbit holder assembly includes a second bit having a second bit footprint.The first bit footprint is sized and/or shaped differently than thesecond bit footprint.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a rotating discassembly includes: a rotating disc member and a first bit holdersub-assembly. The rotating disc member defines a radial direction and anaxial direction. The disc member and its rotation define a frontwardsangular direction. The first bit holder sub-assembly is mechanicallyconnected to the peripheral edge of the rotating disc member. Therotating disc member includes a peripheral edge, a first major axialsurface, a second axial major surface, a first protrusion guide and asecond protrusion guide. The first protrusion guide extends in the axialdirection from the first major axial surface at a location in thevicinity of the first bit holder assembly, radially inwardly of theperipheral edge and in the angular frontwards direction relative to thefirst bit holder assembly. The second protrusion guide extends in theaxial direction from the second major axial surface at a location in thevicinity of the first bit holder assembly, radially inwardly of theperipheral edge and in the angular frontwards direction relative to thefirst bit holder assembly.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a rotating discassembly includes: a rotating disc member; a first bit and a roller. Therotating disc member includes a peripheral edge. The disc member and itsrotation define a frontwards angular direction. The first bit that ismechanically connected to the peripheral edge of the disc member. Theroller is rotatably mechanically connected to the rotating disc memberand located in the vicinity of the peripheral edge and the first bit inthe frontwards angular direction relative to the first bit.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a rotating discassembly includes: a rotating disc member; a first bit holder member;and a first bit. The rotating disc member defines a radial direction andan axial direction. The disc member and its rotation define a frontwardsangular direction. The rotating disc member comprises a peripheral edge,a first major axial surface, a second axial major surface. The first bitis mechanically connected to the first bit holder. The first bit holdercomprises a first disc engaging flange and a second disc engagingflange. The first bit holder is mechanically connected to the rotatingdisc member so that the first disc engaging flange extends over aportion of the first major axial surface and the second disc engagingflange extends over a portion of the second major axial surface.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a bit assemblyincludes, but is not limited to: a bit securing sub-assembly including abit holder member that defines a recess having a first portion extendingin a first direction, and a second portion extending from the firstportion along a second direction that is not parallel to the firstdirection; a bit mechanically connected to the bit holder member andpositioned within the recess by a fastening hardware that extendsthrough co-axially aligned holes formed in the bit holder member and thebit; and a bit shielding sub-assembly comprising a bit shielding membermechanically connected to and extending from the second portion of thebit holder in a third direction that is substantially parallel to andspaced from the first direction; wherein the bit shielding member isstructured, positioned, and/or located to at least partially shield thebit in the first direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated byreading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 to 2 shows a prior art rotating disc assembly for a stumpgrinding tool.

FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of a rotating disc assembly according tothe present invention

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of a rotating disc assembly accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of a rotating disc assembly 350according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of a rotating disc assembly accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of a rotating disc assembly according tothe present invention.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b show a sixth embodiment of a rotating disc assemblyaccording to the present invention.

FIGS. 9 a to 9 e show various portions of a seventh embodiment of arotating disc assembly according to the present invention.

FIGS. 10 to 15 show various portions of an eighth embodiment of arotating disc assembly.

FIG. 16 shows a ninth embodiment of a rotating disc assembly accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows a tenth embodiment of a rotating disc assembly accordingto the present invention.

FIGS. 18 to 22 show various portions of an eleventh embodiment of arotating disc assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 shows an embodiment of a bit holder assembly suitable for use inthe present invention.

FIG. 24 shows a twelfth embodiment of a rotating disc assembly accordingto the present invention.

FIGS. 25 and 27 show a bit holder assembly suitable for use in thepresent invention.

FIGS. 28 and 26 show a two piece bit holder suitable for use in thepresent invention.

FIGS. 29 to 36 show various portions of a bit holder sub-assemblysuitable for use in the present invention.

FIGS. 37 to 46 show various different embodiments of bit holderassemblies suitable for use in the present invention.

FIGS. 47 to 49 show various portions of a thirteenth embodiment of arotating disc assembly according to the present invention.

FIGS. 50 to 55 show various portions of a bit holder sub-assemblysuitable for use in the present invention.

FIGS. 56 and 57 show a fourteenth embodiment of a rotating disc assemblyaccording to the present invention.

FIGS. 58 a to 58 y show various bit holder sub-assemblies suitable foruse in the present invention.

FIGS. 59 and 60 show various portions of a fifteenth embodiment of arotating disc assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 61 shows a portion of a sixteenth embodiment of a rotating discassembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 62 shows a seventeenth embodiment of a rotating disc assemblyaccording to the present invention.

FIGS. 63, 64, 65 and 67 show an eighteenth embodiment of a rotating discassembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 66 shows a bit holder sub-assembly suitable for use in the presentinvention.

FIG. 68 shows a nineteenth embodiment of a rotating disc assemblyaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 69 shows a portion of a twentieth embodiment of a rotating discassembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 70 shows a portion of a twenty-first embodiment of a rotating discassembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 71 shows a portion of a twenty-second embodiment of a rotating discassembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 72 shows a portion of a twenty-third embodiment of a rotating discassembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 73 shows a twenty-fourth embodiment of a rotating disc assemblyaccording to the present invention.

FIGS. 74 to 76 show various portions of a twenty-fifth embodiment of arotating disc assembly according to the present invention.

FIGS. 77 to 86 correspond to FIGS. 1 to 5 of U.S. non-provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 12/544,146, filed on Aug. 19, 2009, which has beenincorporated by reference. These Figures are fully described in thatdocument, so that description need not be repeated here.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 3 shows rotating disc assembly 200 according to the presentinvention, the assembly 200 including: disc (see DEFINITIONS section)202; mounting hardware 206; bit holder (see DEFINITIONS section) 208;bit (see DEFINITIONS section) 212; and rock stop layer 214.

FIG. 4 shows rotating disc assembly 300 according to the presentinvention, the assembly 300 including: disc 302; bit holder 308; and bit312.

FIG. 5 shows a rotating disc assembly 350 according to the presentinvention, the assembly 350 including: disc 352, mounting hardware 356;and a bit holder (including leading portion 360).

FIG. 6 shows a rotating disc assembly 400 according to the presentinvention, the assembly 400 including: disc 402; and bit 412.

FIG. 7 shows a rotating disc assembly 450 according to the presentinvention, the assembly 450 including: disc 452, mounting hardware 456;bit holder 458 (including leading portion 460); and bit 462.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b show a rotating disc assembly 500 including: first bit525; second bit 527; and disc member 502.

FIGS. 9 a to 9 e show various portions of rotating disc assembly 549,including: bit holders 550; bits 552; bit securing screws 553; discmember 554; isolator members 556; and rock stop layers 557.

FIGS. 10 to 15 show various portions of rotating disc assembly 560,including: bit holders 561; bits 562; bit securing screws 563; discmember 564; and isolator members 566.

FIG. 16 shows rotating disc assembly 570, including: bit holders 571;bits 572; bit securing screws 573; disc member 574; and isolator members576.

FIG. 17 shows rotating disc assembly 580, including: bit holders 581;bits 582; bit securing screws 583; disc member 584; and isolator members586.

FIGS. 18 to 22 show various portions of rotating disc assembly 590,including: bit holders 591; bits 592; bit securing screws 593; discmember 594; isolator member 556; and bit holder securing hardware 597.

FIG. 23 shows bit holder assembly 600, including: bit holders 601; bits602; bit securing screws 603; disc member 604; bit holder securinghardware 607; and bit backing members 608.

FIG. 24 shows rotating disc assembly 610, including: first type bitholder sub-assemblies 611; and second type bit holder sub-assemblies612.

FIGS. 25 and 27 show bit holder 621 including separation line 622.

FIGS. 28 and 26 show two piece bit holder 631, including first bitholder piece 632 and second bit holder piece 633.

FIGS. 29 to 36 show various portions of bit holder sub-assembly 640,including: first bit holder piece 641; bit 643; second bit holder piece642; isolator member 644; pocket liner member 649; and pocket linersecuring screw 645. The first bit holder piece helps shield thefootprint of the bit. Generally the first bit holder piece will be madeof a material that is less brittle, but also less able to cut than thematerial of the bit is shields. For example, the first bit holder pieceis preferably made of steel and the bit is preferably made of relativelybrittle carbide.

FIGS. 37 to 46 show various different embodiments of bit holderassemblies 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 656, 657, 658, 659 according tothe present invention.

FIGS. 47 to 49 show various portions of rotating disc assembly 660,including: first bit piece 661; second bit holder piece part 663; andbit piece-parts 662, 664.

FIGS. 50 to 55 show various portions of bit holder sub-assembly 670,including: bit cap 671; bit 672; bit backing member 673; bit securingscrew 674; and bit holder 675.

FIGS. 56 and 57 show rotating disc assembly 680, including axialextending protrusions 682; disc member 681; and bit holdersub-assemblies 683. The protrusions include rock stop side 682 a andchip flow side 682 b.

FIGS. 58 a to 58 y show various bit holder sub-assemblies according tothe present invention. Many of these bit holder sub-assemblies includemultiple bit piece-parts (see also FIGS. 81 to 85). In theseembodiments, the bit footprint is made of the union of the respectivefootprints of its constituent bit piece parts. As shown in FIG. 83, bitpiece-parts of different shaped footprints can be combined. However,care should be taken so that portions of the bit holder that lie behindthe aggregate bit footprint are completely shielded by the aggregate bitfootprint. For example, the embodiment of FIG. 83 is not preferred inthe sense that some of the bit holder, between the triangular bitpiece-part and the rectangular bit piece-part is unshielded.

FIGS. 59 and 60 show various portions of rotating disc assembly 690,including: disc member 691; and bit holder sub-assembly 692.

FIG. 61 shows a portion of rotating disc assembly 700, including: discmember 702; and bit holder sub-assembly 701.

FIG. 62 shows rotating disc assembly 710, including: disc member 712;and bit holder sub-assemblies 711. Bit holder sub-assemblies 711 eachinclude rising rear corner 713.

FIGS. 63, 64, 65 and 67 show rotating disc assembly 720, including: discmember 721; first type bit holder sub-assemblies 722; and second typebit holder sub-assemblies 723.

FIG. 66 shows third type bit holder sub-assembly 724, which may,alternatively or additionally, be used in the rotating disc embodimentof FIGS. 63 and 64.

FIG. 68 shows rotating disc assembly, including: drum shaped disc 731;first bit holder sub-assembly 732 (including three discretesub-sub-assemblies, not separately reference numeraled); second bitholder sub-assembly 733 (including two discrete sub-sub-assemblies, notseparately reference numeraled); third bit holder sub-assembly 735(including two discrete sub-sub-assemblies, not separately referencenumeraled); and fourth bit holder sub-assembly 736 (including threediscrete sub-sub-assemblies, not separately reference numeraled). Inthis embodiment with a disc in the shape of an axially-wide drum, thebit footprint of each bit (respectively located at angularly alignedpositions around the circumference of the drum) is not even continuous,but rather made up of two or three discrete portions as shown in FIG.68. There are many different kinds of bit footprints in the embodimentof FIG. 68.

FIG. 69 shows a portion of rotating disc assembly 740, including: discmember 741; and bit holder sub-assembly 742.

FIG. 70 shows a portion of rotating disc assembly 750, including: discmember 751; and bit holder sub-assembly 752.

FIG. 71 shows a portion of rotating disc assembly 760, including: discmember 761; and bit holder sub-assembly 762.

FIG. 72 shows a portion of rotating disc assembly 770, including: discmember 771; and bit holder sub-assembly 772.

FIG. 73 shows rotating disc assembly 780, including: disc member 781;bit holder sub-assemblies 782; and rollers 783.

FIGS. 74 to 76 show various portions of rotating disc assembly 790,including: disc member 791; first type bit sub-assembly 792; and secondtype bit sub-assembly 793 a. First type bit sub-assembly includes: firsttype bit holder 793; and generally cylindrical bit 795. Second type bitsub-assembly 793 a includes: second type bit holder 794; and zig-zagshaped bit 796. Assembly 790 is an embodiment of the present invention,at least in the sense that it includes two different types of bitsub-assemblies, having two respective, different bit footprints, on asingle disc. However, assembly 790 is not a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. For example, as can be seen most clearly in FIG. 74,the entire bit footprint is exposed, and none of it is protected by thebody of the disc, or by the bit holder. In first type bit sub-assembly792, the front face of bit 795 is close to perpendicular to the viewingvector used to define the footprint. In second type bit sub-assembly 793a, the front face of bit 796 is not perpendicular to the viewing vectorused to define the footprint. The footprint of first type bit holder 793is shown as the dotted area of FIG. 75. This footprint of the bit holder793 is completely covered by the disc 791 (in part) and the bit 795 (inpart). This is preferred so that the bit holder is not damaged inoperation. The footprint of second type bit holder 794 is shown as thedotted area of FIG. 76. This footprint of the bit holder 794 is notcompletely because portions of it extend past the footprint of its bit796. This is not preferred because the exposed portions of bit holder794 may be damaged in operation. Second bit 796 includes unsupportedportions 797 and 798 which are sharp corners and/or portions that extendrelatively far beyond the footprint of the bit holder. This is notpreferred because it make it more likely that the bit will break and/orwear more quickly.

FIGS. 77 to 86 correspond to FIGS. 1 to 5 of U.S. non-provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 12/544,146, filed on Aug. 19, 2009, which has beenincorporated by reference. These Figures are fully described in thatdocument, so that description need not be repeated here.

I. Rock Stop Layer

As shown in FIG. 3, the rock stop layer 214 has a higher mechanicalhardness, at least in part, than the underlying disc 202. The highhardness prevents damage and/or wear to the outer peripheral surface ofthe disc cause by: (i) impacts with hard debris (for example, rocks);and (ii) wear caused by flow of soil relative to the peripheral edge.For example, the rock stop layer can help prevent the soil from wearinga groove into the disc in the vicinity of the leading edge of well 204.

In some preferred embodiments he rock stop layer may be made of a matrixof hard and soft material, such as a weld material including hardfragments of carbide. This use of hard and soft materials in the rockstop layer means that it will tend to accumulate dirt in use. Thisaccumulation of dirt provides a helpful dirt/dirt interface between theperipheral edge of the rotating disc assembly 200 and the dirt in whichit is rotating and grinding.

In many preferred embodiments, and unlike in assembly 200, the rock stoplayer does not extend in the angular direction around the entireperiphery of the disc. For example, in embodiments with a radial ramp(discussed in more detail below), the rock stop layer may only belocated in the vicinity of the top portion of the radial ramp segments.

FIG. 9 e shows a preferred embodiment of a rotating disc assemblyincluding a rock stop layer. As shown in FIG. 9 e, the rock stop hardsurface does not extend all the way around the peripheral edge of thedisc, but rather is over a relatively small angular range leading eachwell in the disc. Also, the disc is made to be flat, rather than curved,over the angular range where the rock stop layer is adhered to the disc.This may be preferred for better performance and/or adherence of therock stop layer. It is further noted that at least some embodiments ofthe rock stop may be preferable to the “protectors” discussed above inconnection with Riesselman because: (i) they can be shaped as a thinlayer, rather than a removable “tool” with a high profile in the radialdirection; (ii) they can be made of a hard/soft material matrix topromote adherence of dirt and a favorable dirt/dirt rotationalinterface; and/or (iii) placement of the rock stop layer immediatelyleading the well may help prevent a groove from being worn in the discin the vicinity of the leading edge of the well.

II. Radial Ramp Over an Angular Range Leading the Bit Sub-Assembly

As shown In FIG. 4, disc 302 has a radial ramp over a range of anglesleading its bit sub-assembly 308, 312. More specifically, over the rangeof angles A1, measured in the rotational direction starting from theleading edge of the bit sub-assembly (or the leading edge of the well inembodiments having a well). As shown in FIG. 4, the radial dimension ofthe disc at the leading edge of the bit sub-assembly is D3, while theradial dimension of the disc at the beginning of the ramp is D4. This isconsidered as a ramp because D3 is larger than D4.

The use of the radial ramp may be helpful for one or more of thefollowing reasons: (i) facilitate effective grinding even when the bitdoes not extend very far from the disc in the radial direction; (ii)help prevent a groove from being worn in the vicinity of the leadingedge of the well; (iii) help prevent rotating disc assembly from highshock impact with hard debris (for example, rocks); and/or (iv) helpprevent rotating disc assembly from throwing hard debris (for example,rocks).

Assembly 300 has been simplified for purposes of illustration of theconcepts involved and of the full possible scope of the presentinvention. Assembly 300 has only one bit sub-assembly and one radialramp, but this is not necessarily preferred. Assembly 300 has a radialramp in the shape of a smooth spiral, but this is not necessarilypreferred.

Various embodiments of radial ramps according to the present inventionmay also be seen in FIGS. 9 e, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 56, 57, 60,62 and 63. The radial ramp feature may also be shown at App. Dwg. 1 (seeAppendix). One preferred feature of these other radial ramp embodimentsis that they include at least one “linear segment” that is at leastsubstantially linear in the angular-radial plane, as contrasted with thesmooth spiral of the radial ramp of assembly 300. It is also preferredto have a radial ramp linear segment immediately leading abit-sub-assembly and/or an associated well formed in the disc. Theangles of linear segments of radial ramps according to the presentinvention may be adjusted depending upon the nature and composition ofthe material to be ground and/or encountered by the grinding tool duringgrinding operations.

III. Rrelatively Small Bit Eextension Beyond the Disc in the Radialand/or Axial Directions

As shown in FIG. 5, the bit (shown but no reference numeral) extends (atits radially outermost point(s) beyond the disc (at its radiallyoutermost point(s) by a dimension of D5. D5 is intentionally made smallaccording to at least some embodiments of the present invention, incontravention of convention teaching. Making D5 relatively small may behelpful for one or more of the following reasons: (i) reduce oreliminate high mechanical shock impacts with hard debris; (ii) helpprevent the launching of loose hard debris (for example, rocks) byrelative square impacts with the bits; (iii) allow grinding tool to runat higher rotational speeds; and/or (iv) allow grinding tool to be madewith steeper (more efficient) cutting angles of its bits.

Rotating disc assembly 350 may be more preferred for some applicationsthan others. For example, it may be better for stump grinding in rockysoil (for example, typical soil in New England) than for stump grindingin sandy or clay type soil characteristic of the American Southeast.More specifically, the small radial extension D5 of the bit reduces thegrinding speed, at least when there is not a lot of hard debris and areduced associated potential for high shock impacts.

Preferably, the radial extension of the bit beyond the disc is less than3/16inch. Even more preferably, the radial extension of the bit beyondthe disc is less than or equal to 1/8inch. The relatively small radialbit extension is especially preferred in combination with a disc havingradial ramps and/or a rock stop, as discussed above.

Various other embodiments of rotating disc assemblies including bit(s)having a relatively small radial extension beyond the disc according tothe present invention may be seen in FIGS. 9 e, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23,24, 56, 57, 59, 60-63 and 69-72. It is noted that in the embodiment ofFIG. 63, some of the bits do not extend radially beyond the outermostradial portions of the disc at all, but those bits that do extendbeyond, extend beyond only by a relatively short distance.

As shown in FIG. 6, the bit extends (at its axially outermost point(s)beyond the disc (at its axially outermost point(s) by a dimension of D6.D6 is intentionally made small according to at least some embodiments ofthe present invention, in contravention of conventional teaching. MakingD6 relatively small may be helpful for one or more of the followingreasons: (i) reduce or eliminate high mechanical shock impacts with harddebris; (ii) help prevent the launching of loose hard debris (forexample, rocks) by relative square impacts with the bits; (iii) allowgrinding tool to run at higher rotational speeds; (iv) allow grindingtool to be made with steeper (more efficient) cutting angles of itsbits; and/or (v) help maintain grinding tool in an upright positiondespite lateral or tilting forces caused by axial side impacts.

IV. Non-Rigid Bit Sub-Assembly Mounting Hardware

As shown in FIG. 7, in disc assembly 450, the mounting hardware 456makes a non-rigid connection between the bit sub-assembly 456, 458, 462and well 454 formed in disc 452. A well may not be required in allembodiments of the present invention. The non-rigid connection providedby mounting hardware 456 preferably: (i) absorbs mechanical shockscaused by impacts between the bit and hard debris; and/or (ii) allow thebit to deflect to reduce the mechanical shock and/or bit wear caused byrelatively glancing impacts with hard debris. The non-rigid mountinghardware feature of the present invention is thought to be especiallyadvantageous in combination with the small radial and/or axial bitextension features described above because: (i) the small extensionsreduce or eliminate square impacts; and (ii) the give provided by thenon-rigid mounting hardware helps to deal with glancing impacts.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the non-rigidmounting hardware will include deformable material such as rubber, otherelastomeric material, mesh and/or fluid filled material. Alternativelyor additionally, the mounting hardware may include pivoting hardwarethat allows the bit sub-assembly to pivot somewhat relative to the disc.

Other non-rigid mounting hardware according to the present invention isshown in FIGS. 32-35.

V. Bits of Different Profiles

As shown in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, a rotating disc assembly 500 has a firsttype of bit and a second type of bit, where: (i) the first type of bitextends further in the radial direction than the second of bit; and (ii)the second of bit extends further in the axial direction than the firsttype of bit. More specifically, the first type of bit 525 extends in theradial direction (at its radially outermost point(s) beyond the secondtype of bit 527 (at its radially outermost point(s) by a dimension ofD7. Also, as shown in FIG. 8 b, the second type of bit 527 extends inthe axial direction (at its axially outermost point(s) beyond the firsttype of bit (at its radially outermost point(s) by a dimension of D8.

Preferably, there are multiple first type bit sub-assemblies andmultiple second type bit sub-assemblies and they are located at regularangular intervals around the disc in an alternating manner. Preferably,the first type bit sub-assemblies are distributed around the disc sothat they are in rotational balance when considered in isolation of thedisc and of the second type bit sub-assemblies (See FIG. 24.)Preferably, the second type bit sub-assemblies are distributed aroundthe disc so that they are in rotational balance when considered inisolation of the disc and of the first type bit sub-assemblies (See FIG.24.) Some embodiments of the present invention may have more than twotypes of bit sub-assemblies.

Other rotating disc assemblies including two different types of bitsub-assemblies according to the present invention are shown in FIGS. 24,63 and 64.

VI. Guide Protrusions

FIGS. 56 and 57 show pairs of guide protrusions according to the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 57, each guide protrusion has a rock stopside and a chip flow side. The guide protrusions can be helpful in: (i)deflecting square impacts with hard debris (for example, rocks); (ii)preventing impacts between hard debris and the peripheral sides of thebit and/or bit holder; and (iii) directing the flow of chips in along apreferred path. In some preferred embodiments, the guide protrusions areformed as a single piece with the disc, but that is not necessarilyrequired.

VII. Rollers

As shown in FIG. 73, some embodiments of rotating disc assembliesaccording to the present invention include rollers. The rollers rotatewith the rotating disc, of course, but they are also free to rotateabout their respective centers in direction R2 (see FIG. 73). Althoughall of the rollers shown in FIG. 73 extend equally far in the radialdirection (as defining by the rotating disc), this is not necessarilyrequired.

One reason that at least some embodiments of the rollers of FIG. 73 aredifferent than the “protectors” of Riesselman is that they are free torotate about their respective centers, while the protectors ofRiesselman are respectively fixed, at least during grinding operations,about their respective rotational centers.

Another reason that some embodiments of the rollers of FIG. 73 aredifferent than the protectors of Riesselman is that there are multiplerollers between consecutive bit sub-assemblies. However, someembodiments of the present invention may have only a single rollerbetween consecutive bit sub-assemblies.

The rollers may be helpful for one or more of the following reasons: (i)reduce or eliminate high mechanical shock impacts with hard debris; (ii)help prevent the launching of loose hard debris (for example, rocks) byrelative square impacts with the bits; (iii) allow grinding tool to runat higher rotational speeds; and/or (iv) allow grinding tool to be madewith steeper (more efficient) cutting angles of its bits.

VIII. Component Angles for Optimized Performance

The angles between various components of a rotating disc assembly arecontrolled to be at certain values or in certain ranges in order tooptimize performance or optimize performance with respect to certaintypes and/or distributions of types of subject matter to be ground bythe grinding tool, as shown in FIGS. 59-62 and 69-72.

IX. The Embodiment of FIG. 68

A rotating disc assembly may be made to be similar to and/or incorporatevarious concepts of the rotating disc assembly embodiment shown in FIG.68. FIG. 68 may be especially preferred for mowing applications,mulching applications, tub grinder applications and/or horizontalgrinder applications. Preferably, embodiments similar to FIG. 68 wouldalso have radial ramps and/or rock stops as discussed above.

X. Bolt Across the Disc and Bit Holder(s)

A rotating disc assembly may include a disc, a first bit holder, asecond bit holder and one (or more) nut and bolt sub-assembly tomechanically the first and second bit holders to the disc. As shown inFIGS. 47-48, the bolt(s) of the nut and bolt assembly(ies) are atparallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating disc assembly.

XI. Angles

Throughout the drawings, various angles are reference numeraled as A1 toA10. A10: is 90 degrees to the leading edge arc defined by a center atthe axis of rotation of the rotating disc assembly and a radius definedby the radial dimension of the disc at the leading edge of thecorresponding bit sub-assembly; which shall be referred to as top rakeangle. A9: is greater than 90 degrees. A8: is less than 90 degrees. A7 &A6: (identical) some exemplary angles shown in the FIGS. A5 & A4:(identical). A4: is less than 90 degrees (zoomed in from A5). A3:exemplary value shown in the FIGS. A3 to A10 are all describing the toprake angle. Preferred embodiments are 90 degrees +/−20 degrees.Preferential range is 90 degrees +/−75 degrees. A2 and A1: are varyingamounts of top clearance angle. Preferred embodiment range would be 0 to20 degrees. Preferential range is 0 to 75 degrees.

DEFINITIONS

The following definitions are provided to facilitate claiminterpretation:

Present invention: means at least some embodiments of the presentinvention; references to various feature(s) of the “present invention”throughout this document do not mean that all claimed embodiments ormethods include the referenced feature(s).

First, second, third, etc. (“ordinals”): Unless otherwise noted,ordinals only serve to distinguish or identify (e.g., various members ofa group); the mere use of ordinals implies neither a consecutivenumerical limit nor a serial limitation.

Mechanically connected: Includes both direct mechanical connections, andindirect mechanical connections made through intermediate components;includes rigid mechanical connections as well as mechanical connectionthat allows for relative motion between the mechanically connectedcomponents; includes, but is not limited, to welded connections, solderconnections, connections by fasteners (for example, nails, bolts,screws, nuts, hook-and-loop fasteners, knots, rivets, force fitconnections, friction fit connections, connections secured by engagementadded by gravitational forces, quick-release connections, pivoting orrotatable connections, slidable mechanical connections, latches and/ormagnetic connections).

Grinding tools: any tool for grinding any type of matter; grinding toolsinclude, but are not necessarily limited to: mowers, mulchers;horizontal grinders; tub grinders and/or stump grinders; electric motorpowered grinding tools, internal combustion powered grinding tools;man-portable grinding tools; stationary grinding tools; and/or vehicleportable grinding tools.

Outdoor grinding tools: any grinding tool designed primary for use in anoutdoor environment typically including one or more of the followingmaterials: stumps, live plants, brush, soil, clay, sand, small rocks,large rocks, medium rocks, man-made debris (for example, sidewalk,discarded trash); outdoor grinding tools include, but are notnecessarily limited to: mowers, mulchers; outdoor horizontal grinders;outdoor tub grinders and/or stump grinders.

Disc: any member that defines a central axis and two major surfaces andis shaped to be suitable for being driven into rotation about itscentral axis, without regard to: (i) whether its shape is particularlycircular; (ii) flatness in the axial direction; (iii) whether it isformed as a single piece; and/or (iv) presence or absence of holes orapertures through the disc; it is highly preferable for discs to berotationally balanced with respect to both angular distribution of massand axial distribution of mass, but this is not necessarily required; insome embodiments of the present invention, the “disc” may take the formof a drum, having multiple bit sub-assemblies along its relatively longaxial dimension.

Bit: any member suitable for being driven into rotation to grind soil,debris and/or plant matter: (i) material used to make the bit; (ii)number of pieces making up the bit; (iii) number of cutting edges on thebit; (iv) whether the bit is more suitable for grinding stumps, brush orlive trees; and/or (v) specific shape of the bit holder.

Bit holder: any hardware for securing a bit without regard to: (i) thetype of hardware used to secure the bit; (ii) presence or absence of aleading portion; (iii) material used to make the bit holder; (iv) numberof pieces making up the bit holder; and/or (v) specific shape of the bitholder.

To the extent that the definitions provided above are consistent withordinary, plain, and accustomed meanings (as generally shown bydocuments such as dictionaries and/or technical lexicons), the abovedefinitions shall be considered supplemental in nature. To the extentthat the definitions provided above are inconsistent with ordinary,plain, and accustomed meanings (as generally shown by documents such asdictionaries and/or technical lexicons), the above definitions shallcontrol. If the definitions provided above are broader than theordinary, plain, and accustomed meanings in some aspect, then the abovedefinitions shall be considered to broaden the claim accordingly.

To the extent that a patentee may act as its own lexicographer underapplicable law, it is hereby further directed that all words appearingin the claims section, except for the above-defined words, shall take ontheir ordinary, plain, and accustomed meanings (as generally shown bydocuments such as dictionaries and/or technical lexicons), and shall notbe considered to be specially defined in this specification. In thesituation where a word or term used in the claims has more than onealternative ordinary, plain and accustomed meaning, the broadestdefinition that is consistent with technological feasibility and notdirectly inconsistent with the specification shall control.

Unless otherwise explicitly provided in the claim language, steps inmethod steps or process claims need only be performed in the same timeorder as the order the steps are recited in the claim only to the extentthat impossibility or extreme feasibility problems dictate that therecited step order (or portion of the recited step order) be used. Thisbroad interpretation with respect to step order is to be used regardlessof whether the alternative time ordering(s) of the claimed steps isparticularly mentioned or discussed in this document.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bit assembly comprising: a bit securingsub-assembly comprising a bit holder member that defines a recess havinga first portion extending in a first direction, and a second portionextending from said first portion along a second direction that is notparallel to said first direction; a bit mechanically connected to saidbit holder member and positioned within said recess by a fasteninghardware that extends through co-axially aligned holes formed in saidbit holder member and said bit; and a bit shielding sub-assemblycomprising a bit shielding member mechanically connected to andextending from said second portion of said bit holder in a thirddirection that is substantially parallel to and spaced from said firstdirection; wherein said bit shielding member is structured, positioned,and/or located to at least partially shield said bit in the firstdirection.
 2. The bit assembly of claim 1, wherein said bit securingsub-assembly and bit shielding sub-assembly are separate sub-assembliesand are not permanently mechanically connected.
 3. The bit assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the bit is at least 50% shielded by said bit shieldingmember in the first direction.
 4. The bit assembly of claim 1, whereinthe bit is at least 90% shielded by said bit shielding member in thefirst direction.
 5. The bit assembly of claim 1, wherein said bitfurther comprises an axial extension in an axial direction greater thanan axial extension of said bit shielding member in the axial directionmeasured when said bit holder member is mechanically connected to aperipheral edge of a rotating disc member.
 6. The bit assembly of claim1, wherein said bit further comprises a radial extension in a radialdirection greater than a radial extension of said bit shielding memberin the radial direction measured when said bit holder member ismechanically connected to a peripheral edge of a rotating disc member.7. The bit assembly of claim 1, wherein said bit shielding member tapersin the first direction.
 8. The bit assembly of claim 1, wherein said bitfurther comprises a substantially planar surface facing the firstdirection.
 9. The bit assembly of claim 1, wherein said bit furthercomprises a substantially non-planar surface facing the first direction.